Tooth wear found in almost all adolescents in new UAE study

Dental Tribune International

Thu. 8. October 2026

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SHARJAH, UAE: Recent evidence suggests that tooth wear is becoming both more prevalent and more severe among adolescents worldwide, but prevalence in the Gulf region has been less extensively studied. Researchers in the UAE therefore investigated the prevalence and severity of tooth wear among adolescents and examined possible risk factors. Against a backdrop of rapid urbanisation and associated dietary transition, including high consumption of acidic beverages among young people, the study provides epidemiological evidence that may help inform preventive strategies and oral health policy.

The cross-sectional study examined 876 adolescents aged 14 to 16 from public and private schools in Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman. The researchers assessed tooth wear using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index and collected self-reported information on socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, oral health behaviours and lifestyle factors.

Tooth wear was recorded in almost all the participants, although the severity varied considerably. Overall, more than half had medium-to-high BEWE scores, indicating clinically significant levels of tooth surface loss. About one in eight participants were in the high-risk BEWE category, reflecting greater severity of erosive tooth wear and a greater need for management.

Dietary habits emerged as an important factor. Weekly or daily consumption of sports or energy drinks was independently associated with higher cumulative BEWE scores. Regular water consumption was associated with lower scores, as was frequent consumption of fresh fruit. The authors highlighted acidic beverage consumption as an important modifiable factor and said that the findings indicate the importance of individualised dietary counselling.

The study also found higher BEWE scores among pupils attending public schools compared with those at private schools. However, the authors suggested that socio-economic factors, such as parental education and health literacy, as well as peer behaviours and school-level norms, may contribute to this pattern.

The researchers said the findings highlight the need for routine assessment of tooth wear during dental examinations for early identification of at-risk individuals and the implementation of early preventive strategies, particularly through dietary advice and reducing exposure to acidic drinks. The relevance of beverage consumption to preventive strategies for adolescents is also reflected in a 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis, which found that carbonated beverage consumption is a risk factor for dental erosion in this age group.

The study, titled “Prevalence of tooth wear among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study”, was published online in the December 2026 issue of the International Dental Journal.